Inexpensive Theatre District Food Recommendations?

At that price range, Joe’s Pizza near Times Square is great for a slice. I also really like Red Poke.

If the weather is nice and I'm watching a show at the northern part of Times Sq, I like to eat at Halal Guys food cart at 53rd st and 6th Ave. There's always a line but the wait is normally less than 5 mins. For $10 you get a meal with a drink. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emmXWi4iAW4 I walk 1/2 a block between 6/7 avenues on 53rd st or 52nd st where there are several outdoor public tables to sit and eat. There are public benches near 53/6 as well. Great for people watching.

If you don't mind fast food, I think the best deal in that area is the 4 for $4 meal at Wendy's. Another favorite is Popeye's. The chicken sandwich is only $3.99.

I also like El Rancho on 45th street right across from Schmakary's. Really good Mexican food and my meal tends to range $7-$12 there.

Another good one is Empanada Mama (52nd st and 9th ave) where 2-3 empanadas at $2-$3 each is enough to make me full.

Updated On: 4/9/22 at 07:39 AM

It's just out of your price range, but if you can spare a few dollars, I recommend John's Pizza of Times Square. However, it can be busy at times, so plan accordingly. It's right across the street from the Majestic Theatre (Phantom Of The Opera).

Menu (Prices Included): https://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/Times-Square-Menu/timessquaremenu

Qi Thai 698 9th Ave (48th St.) - nice atmosphere, presentation and tasty food. Lunch specials too. https://www.yelp.com/biz/qi-new-york-3

Carve -47th & 8 - zero atmosphere as it’s a tiny deli but they have a few counter seats for a quick bite. Just had their $5 chicken soup and it was very tasty.

I eat at Turco Mediterranean Grill about 3 times a month. It is over on 9th between 43rd and 44th. Their prices went up a bit but a Gyro Sandwich is just under $10.00 and it is huge and delicious. I never finish it in one sitting. I am also addicted to their Ezme. I used to get it just on my sandwich but now I just buy it as a side and take it home to eat.

It is just off the corner of 43rd. You can walk right past it so you kind of have to look for it on the east side of the street. You can sit in the dining area in the back or take it out.

https://www.turconyc.com/our-menu

Look at 9th Ave, where there are a TON of restaurants and things can be slightly cheaper than elsewhere in midtown. Notably a number of Thai/Asian places on there with entrees under $20 (some with lunch specials).

You'll be able to get a sandwich (or salad or other things) for $7-$12 at nearly any deli/bodega –– the caveat being most of them don't have places to sit and eat, so you'd have to take your food to a park or eat on the go.

There are of course the staples of pretty-quick-but-not-fast food: Chipotle, Deep (which is like Chipotle for Indian food), Sweetgreen, Chopt, Fresh & Co, Pret, Europa (avoid the latter two unless in a real bind).

I haven't been to the food hall at Grand Central in a couple years, what are those prices like?

Westway Diner on 44th and 9th is a cheap classic! Definitely a favorite pre-show spot when we are low on cash.

Lucky Burger on 52nd and 9th is cheap and yummy. Many sandwiches are 10 or under. Limited seating but most are doing takeout. I’ve never had a problem getting a seat. If you don’t want a burger, hot dog or chicken sandwich they have a crispy quinoa sandwich which is good and a Beyond sausage.


Also the Panda Express on 46th and 9th is always clean, a good amount of seating in the black. I’ve found their food very delicious, hot and fast. Great cooks and staff. It’s fast food yes, but it’s yummy and flavorful.


Pongsri on 48th has delicious Thai that is inexpensive. They also have lunch specials for $10 or under. I’ve seen many Broadway actors eating in here.

Westway forever and always

Without question - Empanada Mama in Hell's Kitchen. 52nd and 9th. We go before shows regularly.

Dan6 said: "If you're looking for a couple of good pizza slices for a meal (and in NY, why wouldn't you be?), my favorite in the theater district is Patzeria on 46th btw Broadway and 8th. Lots of options, always fresh and good, and two slices with toppings and a beverage will fill me up for under $15. "

Patzeria is actually my favorite pizza place in the city.

I'll second the votes for Empanada Mama and Los Tacos. I would also put Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles II (on 9th between 45/46) in the mix. You can get an amazing plate of authentic knife-cut noodles for about $12. And you can get in and out in under half an hour easily.